Umbral Stalker

Groom to the Shadow Maiden

By: Charles Arlington

Narrated by: Anthony Proctor

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Gratoul city: the home to degenerates, criminals, labor men and women, and few noble souls. A city of tragedy, grief, and probable collusion.

After receiving a promotion at his construction firm, Nescien visits the hospital bed of his ill wife, Seresa. When his visit becomes the last, Nescien is torn with grief and despair, begging for his deceased wife’s revival.

An ominous figure observes his grief from the shadows; donning an odd hat, and carrying a chilling cold with him. He offers Nescien a deal, an exchange for his wife’s revival with a service to the powers of shadow. In this exchange, Nescien begets the name Umbral Stalker, and pledges his fealty to the mysterious man.

Through this power, Umbral Stalker emerges alongside the cries of those suffering, and even those past death. Arising from the shadows of perpetrators, the looming vigilante’s silhouette becomes the last image that the criminals of Gratoul will surely remember. For Umbral Stalker has only one obligation to honor: To intervene the world’s cruel fate.

With his life transformed, Umbral Stalker arises to punish all who honor death.

Story Tone: Dark, Mature, and Speculative

©2023 Charles Arlington (P)2024 Charles Arlington

An Engrossing Dark Fantasy Journey

"Umbral Stalker: Groom to the Shadow Maiden" is a thrilling audiobook that hooked me from the start. Set in the gritty city of Gratoul, the story follows Nescien, a grieving man who makes a dark deal to revive his wife, Seresa. The transformation from heartbroken husband to the vengeful Umbral Stalker is both tragic and compelling.

The narrator does an amazing job bringing the dark, eerie atmosphere to life. The character of the Umbral Stalker, emerging from shadows to punish criminals, is intense and really kept me on edge. This audiobook is perfect if you enjoy dark, speculative fiction with a mature tone. Definitely worth a listen!

Unique, Engaging, and Thought provoking

Great story with a lot of development of characters and situations. I think this is the beginning of more follow on books, the story has further directions it can go in. I like the scenes as they are explained by the narrator but the author truly has us looking forward to the next chapter of the story line. I recommend this book.

Keeps you guessing!

if you are looking for a story with a constantly twisting plot that keeps you guessing this book is definitely for you! With strong character development and a great narrator this is an excellent audiobook worth a listen.

Book Club

This would be a great book club book. My friend and I read it together and it sparked some of the most intense and engaging discussions we've had to date. Each chapter peeled back layers of the complex relationship between power and morality, driving us to question not just the characters' decisions, but our own ethical boundaries. It's a compelling read for any group interested in dissecting the nuances of character development and thematic depth.